Intra-oral X-ray imaging device for detecting X-rays from outside the oral cavity

ABSTRACT

Provided is an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity, including: a frame; an X-ray irradiator which is installed to be supported by the frame and of which the one end portion is inserted into the oral cavity and which irradiates X-ray through an X-ray irradiation hole formed on the one end portion inserted into the oral cavity; and an X-ray detector which is arranged to be separated from the X-ray irradiator in the frame so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from the X-ray irradiator outside the oral cavity and which is movably installed so as to adjust a distance to the X-ray irradiator.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatusfor detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity, and more particularly, to anintraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oralcavity capable of obtaining a panoramic image having constantmagnification and a high accuracy required for dental treatment with alow X-ray dose by using an X-ray irradiator located inside the oralcavity.

BACKGROUND ART

In general, an X-ray imaging apparatus for identifying a state of analveolar bone (teeth-associated structure) including teeth forteeth/periodontal disease treatment and orthodontic treatment isinstalled in a dental clinic.

An operator (or a dentist) uses the X-ray imaging apparatus to identifythe size and shape of the jawbone and an anatomical change of thejawbone in the horizontal and vertical axes through radiological testsand to consider disease factors existing in the jawbone and informationinfluencing medical treatment. The image information is important in allthe processes for optimal dental treatment and long-term success afterthe dental treatment.

The X-ray (radiation) irradiations method as the X-ray imaging methodinclude, for example, a panoramic imaging (panoramic X-ray imaging)method of two-dimensionally imaging an alveolar bone including teeth, aCT imaging (computerized tomography imaging) method ofthree-dimensionally imaging the alveolar bone including teeth with ahigher accuracy, and a cephalometric imaging method of imaging the headof a patient from the front, rear, left, and right sides.

In the related art, the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured so that anX-ray irradiator is arranged at the one side of the head of a patientand an X-ray detector is arranged at the opposite side thereof. SinceX-ray emitted from the X-ray irradiator needs to pass through the entirehead, the X-ray needs to have a strong intensity. In addition, since anirradiation angle of the X-ray irradiator with respect to a tooth isfixed, the image can be obtained at only the fixed angle.

Accordingly, the X-ray imaging apparatus in the related art has problemsas follows. The first problem is that unnecessary radiation exposuredose may be applied to the head. The second problem is that a ghostimage, that is, an image of a tooth other than the tooth of interest mayexist. The third problem is that images of a tooth captured at variousangles cannot be obtained. The fourth problem is that the X-ray imagingapparatus occupies a too large space.

In addition, an X-ray detector needs to be located inside the oralcavity in order to accurately image a tooth. However, in the X-rayimaging apparatus in the related art, since the size of the X-raydetector is large, a patient may feel unpleasant during the X-rayimaging.

In addition, since the X-ray detector does not approach close to thetooth, the accuracy of the image may be low.

DISCLOSURE Technical Problem

The objects of an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-rayoutside an oral cavity according to the present invention are asfollows.

First, the present invention is to obtain an image having a high qualitywith a low X-ray dose by allowing an X-ray irradiator to be locatedinside the oral cavity.

Second, the present invention is to avoid confusion in image diagnosisby removing a ghost image by allowing an X-ray irradiator inside theoral cavity.

Third, the present invention is to maintain constant magnification ofimages of portions of a tooth by maintaining a distance between an X-rayimaging unit and an X-ray detector constant in the case where the X-rayirradiator is located inside the oral cavity during the X-ray imaging.

Fourth, the present invention is to obtain an accurate image of a toothwithout distortion by allowing the X-ray detector to approach closest tothe tooth in the case where the X-ray irradiator is located inside theoral cavity during the X-ray imaging.

Fifth, the present invention is to minimize a radiation exposure doseapplied to the head by allowing the X-ray irradiator to irradiate a lowX-ray dose.

Sixth, the present invention is to obtain images at various angles byfreely adjusting an irradiation angle of the X-ray irradiator.

Seventh, the present invention is to reduce a space occupied by theX-ray imaging apparatus by reducing the size of the X-ray irradiator.

The objects of the present invention are not limited thereto. Otherobjects which are not mentioned above may be clearly understood from thebelow description by the ordinarily skilled in the related art.

Technical Solution

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided anintraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oralcavity, including: a frame; an X-ray irradiator which is installed to besupported by the frame and of which the one end portion is inserted intothe oral cavity and which irradiates X-ray through an X-ray irradiationhole formed on the one end portion inserted into the oral cavity; and anX-ray detector which is arranged to be separated from the X-rayirradiator in the frame so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from theX-ray irradiator outside the oral cavity and which is movably installedso as to adjust a distance to the X-ray irradiator.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include asupporting arm which connects the X-ray irradiator and the X-raydetector.

In addition, the X-ray detector may be connected to the supporting armso that the X-ray detector is moved in the longitudinal direction of thesupporting arm.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include:a screw which is installed in a longitudinal direction of the supportingarm to be rotatably supported; and a detector supporting member which isscrew-engaged with the screw to be moved in the longitudinal directionof the supporting arm and to which the X-ray detector is connected.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include:a screw rotating motor which is connected to the screw to rotate thescrew in normal and counter directions; a sensor which is installed tothe X-ray detector to sense the contact of the X-ray detector with theface; and a motor controller which is connected to the screw rotatingmotor and the sensor to control operations of the screw rotating motor.

In addition, the supporting arm may be configured so that a lengththereof can be adjusted.

In addition, the X-ray detector may be configured to include a linkmember of which the one side is rotatably connected to the supportingarm and a detection panel member which is installed to the other side ofthe link member to detect the X-ray.

In addition, the link member may be configured to include a first linkwhich is connected to the supporting arm and a second link of which theone side is rotatably connected to the first link through a hingeconnector and the other side is connected the detection panel member.

In addition, the hinge connector may elastically support the secondlink.

In addition, the X-ray detector may be detachably connected to thesupporting arm.

In addition, the X-ray detector may be configured to include a fixingarm which is connected to the supporting arm and a mounting arm which isdetachably connected to the fixing arm and in which a detection panelmember capable of detecting the X-ray is installed.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include aflexible member which is connected to the supporting arm and is allowedto be freely bent so as to adjust a position thereof and to which theX-ray detector is installed.

In addition, a base supporting member to which the X-ray irradiator maybe connected is installed on an upper surface of the frame, and theX-ray irradiator is coupled to the base supporting member to as to berotated around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal directionthereof.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include asupporting arm which connects the X-ray irradiator and the X-raydetector, so that the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray detector areintegrally rotated through the supporting arm.

In addition, the X-ray irradiator includes an extension bar protrudingfrom the rear side of the X-ray irradiator and is rotated by a firstdriving unit which transmits power to the extension bar by using powertransmitting means.

In addition, the X-ray irradiator may be configured to include a mainbody which is supported by the base supporting member and an X-rayirradiation body which is tiltably connected to the one end portion ofthe main body and in which an X-ray irradiation hole is formed.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include abase plate which is movably installed in an upper portion of the frameand on which the base supporting member coupled to the X-ray irradiatoris installed, wherein the base plate is configured to include a guideblock having a groove formed in a lower portion thereof, so that thebase plate is moved in the state where the guide rail coupled to theframe is inserted into the groove of the guide block.

In addition, the X-ray irradiator may be moved by a second driving unitwhich transmits power to the base plate by using driving means.

In addition, the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus may further include:an elevating unit which is coupled to a lower portion of the frame; anda lower frame which is coupled to a lower portion of the elevating unit.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedintraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oralcavity, including: a frame on which a base supporting member isinstalled; an X-ray irradiator which is installed to be supported by thebase supporting member and of which the one end portion is inserted inthe oral cavity and which irradiates X-ray through an X-ray irradiationhole formed on the one end portion inserted into the oral cavity; anX-ray detector which is arranged to be separated from the X-rayirradiator so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from the X-rayirradiator outside the oral cavity; and a supporting arm whichintegrally connects the X-ray irradiator and the X-ray detector, whereinthe X-ray detector is detachably mounted to the supporting arm.

Advantageous Effects

As described above, in an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus fordetecting X-ray outside an oral cavity according to the presentinvention, since an X-ray irradiator is located inside the oral cavity,it is possible to obtain an image having a high quality with a low X-raydose and to avoid confusion in image diagnosis by removing a ghostimage.

In addition, since a distance between the X-ray irradiator and the X-raydetector is minimized, it is possible to obtain images of portions of atooth with constant magnification and to obtain accurate images withoutdistortion.

In addition, since an irradiation angle of the X-ray irradiator can befreely adjusted, it is possible to obtain images at various angles. Inaddition, it is possible to minimize a radiation exposure dose appliedto the head, and since the X-ray imaging apparatus occupies a smallspace, it is possible to improve space usability.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described effects.Other effects which are not mentioned above may be clearly understoodfrom the below description by the ordinarily skilled in the related art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagram illustrating an intraoral X-ray imagingapparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective diagram illustrating main componentsof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of an X-ray irradiator ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side diagram illustrating an example where an elevating unitis installed in the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating an example where anX-ray detector of the present invention is configured so that the X-raydetector can be moved.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are plan diagrams illustrating an example where an X-raydetector of the present invention is configured so that an angle thereofcan be adjusted.

FIG. 8 is a partial enlarged perspective diagram illustrating an examplewhere an X-ray detector of the present invention is configured so thatthe X-ray detector can be separated.

FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged perspective diagram illustrating anotherexample of the X-ray detector of the present invention.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial enlarged perspective diagrams illustratingthe interior of the frame.

FIGS. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams illustrating a state according toa change in irradiation angle of the X-ray detector with respect to thehead of a patient.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are schematic diagram and partial enlarged diagramillustrating an example where imaging is performed while adjusting anirradiation angle of the X-ray irradiator.

BEST MODE

Hereinafter, an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-rayoutside an oral cavity according to a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention will be described in detail with reference to theattached drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus fordetecting X-ray outside an oral cavity according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside anoral cavity according to the present invention is configured to includea frame 100.

The frame 100 is provided with a grip 120, so that a patent can fix thepose by holding the grip 120.

The frame 100 is provided with a shield glass 700, so that leakage ofX-ray irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 400 can be prevented.Therefore, it is possible to prevent persons other than the patient frombeing exposed to radiation.

The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside anoral cavity according to the present invention is configured to an X-rayirradiator 400 which is installed so as to be supported by the frame 100and of which one end portion is inserted into the oral cavity. The X-rayirradiator 400 is configured so that an X-ray irradiation hole 410emitting X-ray is formed on the one end portion which is inserted intothe oral cavity.

A base supporting member 440 to which the X-ray irradiator 400 iscoupled is installed on an upper surface of the frame 100. Preferably,the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention isconfigured to further include a chin rest 600 which is installed to theframe 100 so as to be disposed at the one end portion side of the X-rayirradiator 400.

The chin rest 600 is used to support the chin of a user, that is, apatient so as to improve patient's convenience during the X-ray imagingand to stably perform the X-ray imaging.

In addition, it is preferable that the X-ray irradiator 400 is coupledto the base supporting member 440 so as to be rotated around therotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction, so that the X-rayirradiation hole 410 can be rotated a full 360 degrees to be positionedfreely at any position. The X-ray irradiation hole 410 is opened at theone end portion of the X-ray irradiator 400 outward from the oral cavityso as to irradiate the X-ray toward the position of the imaging objecttooth.

Referring to FIG. 3, the X-ray irradiator 400 is configured to include amain body 401 which is supported by the base supporting member 440 andan X-ray irradiation body 402 which is tiltably coupled to the one endportion of the main body 401 in various coupling manners such asuniversal joint or ball-and-socket joint and in which an X-rayirradiation hole is formed.

Since the angle between the main body 401 and the X-ray irradiation body402 can be adjusted, the X-ray irradiator 400 can accurately irradiatethe X-ray toward the imaging object tooth by adjusting the angle of theX-ray irradiation body 402 according to the position of the imagingobject tooth in the oral cavity.

An X-ray light source (not shown) with a collimator for X-rayirradiation is installed inside the X-ray irradiator 400. The X-raygenerated by the X-ray light source is irradiated in the referencedirection through the X-ray irradiation hole 410 formed in the X-rayirradiator 400. Herein, the reference direction denotes the directionfrom the X-ray irradiator 400 toward the imaging object tooth.

The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside anoral cavity according to the present invention is configured to includean X-ray detector 500 which detects the X-ray irradiated by the X-rayirradiator 400 outside the oral cavity.

The X-ray detector 500 is arranged to be separated from the X-rayirradiator 400 in the frame 100 so that the X-ray detector 500 can bemoved so as for the distance to the X-ray irradiator 400 to be adjusted.The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention isconfigured to further include a supporting arm 520 which connects theX-ray irradiator 400 and the X-ray detector 500. The X-ray detector 500is movably connected to the supporting arm 520 so that the distance tothe X-ray irradiator 400 can be adjusted.

The X-ray detector 500 is arranged to face the X-ray irradiation hole410 of the X-ray irradiator 400. The X-ray detector 500 and the X-rayirradiator 400 are integrally connected to each other through thesupporting arm 520, so that the X-ray detector 500 is rotated when theX-ray irradiator 400 is rotated in the base supporting member 440.

Namely, when the position of the X-ray irradiation hole 410 is changedaccording to the rotation of the X-ray irradiator 400, the X-raydetector 500 is rotated together with the X-ray irradiator 400, so thatthe state where the X-ray detector 500 faces the X-ray irradiator 400 ismaintained.

Therefore, the X-ray emitted from the X-ray irradiator 400 is irradiatedperpendicularly to the X-ray detector 500.

On the other hand, referring to FIG. 4, the frame 100 is coupled to theelevating unit 300, and the elevating unit 300 is coupled to the lowerframe 200. Namely, the frame 100 is coupled to the one end of theelevating unit 300 in the longitudinal direction, and the lower frame200 is coupled to the other end thereof in the longitudinal direction.The elevating unit 300 may be configured by employing a hydrauliccylinder or the like as a supporting means which can be extended in thelongitudinal direction.

In addition, castors 220 are attached to the bottom of the lower frame200 so as to allow the frame 100 to be freely moved.

Therefore, the height of the frame 100 can be adjusted according to theheight of a patient in order to capture the image of a tooth of thepatient. In addition, the frame 100 can be moved to a desired site byusing the castors 220 and a movement grip 140, so that a degree of spaceutilization can be maximized.

The X-ray detector 500 is moved so that the distance to the X-rayirradiator 400 is adjustable. The X-ray detector 500 is arranged to bein close contact with the face of a patient, so that the distance to theX-ray imaging object, that is, the tooth is minimized.

It is preferable that the distance between the X-ray imaging object,that is, the tooth and the X-ray detector 500 is as small as possibleduring the X-ray imaging. This is because the X-ray imaging withsubstantially actual magnification of the tooth, that is, magnification1:1 of the tooth can be performed when the X-ray detector 500 approachesclosest to the object. In addition, when several teeth are to be imaged,the magnifications of the teeth need to be constant in order toaccurately compare and identify the teeth. Therefore, it is preferablethat the imaging is performed with constant magnifications. In order tomaintain constant magnifications, the distance (ODD: object detectordistance) between the X-ray imaging object, that is, the tooth and theX-ray detector 500 needs to be constant.

Therefore, during the X-ray imaging, the X-ray detector 500 is moved soas to be in close contact with the face of a patient, so that thedistance between the tooth and the X-ray detector 500 is minimized andthe distance between each of the different teeth and the tooth and thedistance between each of the different teeth and X-ray detector 500 aremaintained substantially constant.

Referring to FIG. 5, the X-ray detector 500 is coupled to the supportingarm 520 so as to be moved in the longitudinal direction of thesupporting arm 520. The X-ray imaging apparatus according to the presentinvention is configured to include a screw 800 which is installed in thelongitudinal direction of the supporting arm 520 so as to be rotatablysupported and a detector supporting member 810 which is screw-engagedwith the screw 800 so as to be moved in the longitudinal direction ofthe supporting arm 520 and to which the X-ray detector 500 is connected.

Preferably, an handle 820 for manipulation of rotating the screw 800 isinstalled to the end portion of the screw 800. In addition, preferably,the X-ray imaging apparatus according to the present invention isconfigured to include a screw rotating motor 830 which is connected tothe screw 800 to rotate the screw 800 in normal and counter directions,a sensor 840 which is installed to the X-ray detector 500 to sense thecontact of the X-ray detector 500 with the face, and a motor controller850 which is connected to the screw rotating motor 830 and the sensor840 to control operations of the screw rotating motor 830.

The detector supporting member 810 is screw-coupled to the screw 800 soas to be moved according to the rotation direction of the screw 800.Namely, the X-ray detector 500 together with the detector supportingmember 810 is moved according to the rotation of the screw 800 so as tobe in close contact with the face. When the detector supporting member810 is moved to be in close contact with the face, the sensor 840 sensesthe close contact with the face and notifies the motor controller 850 ofthe close contact with the face, and thus, the motor controller 850allows the screw rotating motor 830 to stop.

In addition, in the present invention, the supporting arm 520 isconfigured so that the length thereof can be adjusted. Therefore, thedistance between the X-ray irradiator 400 and the X-ray detector 500 canbe adjusted.

Although not shown, the supporting arm 520 may be configured byemploying a length-adjustable unit such as a hydraulic cylinder. Inaddition, the supporting arm 520 may be configured with alength-adjustable structure where multi-stages of hollow tubes areinserted in an extractable manner.

The X-ray detector 500 is moved by adjusting the length of thesupporting arm, so that the X-ray detector 500 is in close contact withthe face of a patient.

In addition, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the X-ray detector 500 isconfigured to include a link member 510 of which the one side isrotatably connected to the supporting arm 520 and a detection panelmember 530 which is installed to the other side of the link member 510to detect the X-ray.

The link member 510 is rotatably connected to the supporting arm 520 sothat the angle of the link member 510 is adjusted.

After the X-ray detector 500 is moved to be in closest contact with theface of a patient, the detection panel member 530 is located at the moreaccurate X-ray imaging position by adjusting the angle of the linkmember 510.

The link member 510 is configured to include a first link 511 which isconnected to the supporting arm 520 and a second link 512 which isrotatably connected to the first link 511 through a hinge connector 513and in which a detection panel member 530 is installed.

The link member 510 is configured so that the angle of the second link512 can be separately adjusted by the hinge connector 513 of the firstlink 511 and the second link 512. The X-ray detector 500 is configuredso that the detection panel member 530 can be located at the moreaccurate X-ray imaging position by adjusting the angle of the first link511 and the angle of the second link 512 and so that the X-ray detector500 is in close contact with the face with as large an area as possibleto stably perform the X-ray imaging.

It is preferable that the hinge connector 513 between the first link 511and the second link 512 is elastically supported. The hinge connector513 is configured to include a return spring (not shown) of which theone end is fixed to the rotation axis of the first link 511 and of whichthe other end is fixed to the rotation axis of the second link 512 toelastically support the second link 512. The second link 512 iselastically supported by the hinge connector 513 in the state where thesecond link 512 is inclined in the direction toward the face of apatient, so that the detection panel member 530 can be securely incontact with the face of a patient by adjusting the angle thereof in theelastically supported state.

In addition, the X-ray detector 500 may be used in a manner where theX-ray detector 500 is detached from the frame 100.

As an example, the X-ray detector 500 is detachably connected to thesupporting arm 520. Namely, referring to FIG. 8, the X-ray detector 500is configured to include a fixing arm 540 which is connected to thesupporting arm 520 and a mounting arm 550 which is detachably connectedto the fixing arm 540 and in which a detection panel member 530 capableof detecting X-ray is installed.

For example, arm insertion rails 541 are formed in the fixing arm 540 sothat a mounting arm 550 is inserted into the arm insertion rails 541 inthe longitudinal direction thereof. For example, the mounting arm 550 isdetachably coupled so that the mounting arm 550 is detached from the endside of the fixing arm 540 through the arm insertion rails 541 in thelongitudinal direction of the fixing arm 540.

In the case where the X-ray image is performed on the portion where itis difficult to allow the detection panel member 530 to be in closecontact with the face of a patient, the X-ray detector 500 is configuredso that the mounting arm 550 is detached from the fixing arm 540 and thedetection panel member 530 is easily allowed to in close contact withthe face of a patient.

In addition, referring to FIG. 9, the X-ray image apparatus according tothe present invention the present invention may be configured to furtherinclude a flexible member 560 which is connected to the supporting arm520 and is allowed to be freely bent so as to adjust the positionthereof and to which the X-ray detector 500 is installed.

The flexible member 560 is allowed to be freely bent, so that the X-raydetector 500 can be easily allowed to be in close contact with the faceof a patient.

On the other hand, according to the present invention, the X-rayirradiator 400 can be rotated around the longitudinal direction as arotation axis in the left and right directions. Referring to FIGS. 10and 11, the X-ray irradiator 400 is rotatably coupled to the basesupporting member 440 to pass through the base supporting member 440,and an extension bar 420 is protruded from the rear side thereof. TheX-ray irradiator 400 and the X-ray detector 500 are always integrallymoved due to the supporting of the supporting arm 520, so that the X-rayemitted from the X-ray irradiator 400 is always irradiated on the X-raydetector 500. The X-ray irradiator 400 is rotated by a first drivingunit 460 which transmits power to the extension bar 420 by using powertransmitting means such as gear and pulley.

Namely, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 14, since the X-ray irradiator 400can irradiates X-ray on the imaging object tooth at various irradiationangles, images of the tooth imaged at the various angles can be obtainedso as to be used for dental treatment of a patient.

In addition, the X-ray imaging apparatus is configured to furtherinclude a base plate 150 which is movably installed in an upper portionof the frame 100 and on which the base supporting member 440 isinstalled.

In addition, the base plate 150 is configured to include a guide block180 having a groove formed in the lower portion thereof, so that thebase plate 150 is moved in the state where the guide rail 160 coupled tothe frame 100 is inserted into the groove of the guide block 180.Herein, the guide rail 160 may have various shapes. Preferably, theguide rail 160 is formed to have an arc shape.

In addition, the X-ray irradiator 400 can be moved by a second drivingunit 480 which transmits power to the base plate 130 by using drivingmeans such as gear and pulley.

The teeth of a person are arranged in a semicircular shape. Theirradiation directions of the X-ray irradiator 400 for imaging the teethneed to be coincident with the directions toward the imaging objectteeth. Namely, even in the state where the X-ray irradiator 400 islocated inside the oral cavity, the X-ray irradiator 400 is moved alongthe arc-shaped guide rail 160 so as to allow the X-ray irradiationdirection to coincident with the direction toward the imaging objecttooth, so that the imaging object tooth can be accurately imaged.

An imaging method using the intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus fordetecting X-ray outside an oral cavity according to the presentinvention is configured to include an irradiator insertion step ofinserting an end portion of the X-ray irradiator 400 which is supportedby the frame 100 and irradiates X-ray through the X-ray irradiation hole410 formed on the end portion thereof into the oral cavity of a patient,a detector arrangement step of arranging the X-ray detector 500 outsidethe oral cavity so as to detect the X-ray irradiated from the X-rayirradiator 400, a detector adjustment step of moving the X-ray detector500 so as to minimize the distance to the X-ray irradiator 400, and animaging step of allowing the X-ray detector 500 to detect the X-rayirradiated from the X-ray irradiator 400.

Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, preferably, the X-ray irradiator 400 isconfigured to include the main body 401 which is supported by the basesupporting member 440 installed in the upper portion of the frame 100and the X-ray irradiation body 402 which is tiltably connected to theone end portion of the main body 401 and in which the X-ray irradiationhole is formed. In addition, preferably, the irradiator insertion stepincludes a step of setting a reference direction of the X-ray irradiatedthrough the X-ray irradiation hole 410 by adjusting the angle of theX-ray irradiation body 402.

In this manner, the reference direction of the X-ray irradiation insidethe oral cavity is adjusted, so that the X-ray imaging object tooth canbe accurately imaged.

In addition, the X-ray irradiator 400 and the X-ray detector 500 arearranged to face each other and are integrally connected to each otherthrough the supporting arm 520. In the detector arrangement step S2,when the X-ray detector 500 is to be arranged, the X-ray detector 500and the X-ray irradiator 400 are integrally moved, so that the X-raydetector 500 and the X-ray irradiator 400 are arranged to face eachother.

Therefore, there is no need to adjust the position of the X-rayirradiator 400 again according to the position of the X-ray detector500.

In addition, the detector adjustment step includes a step of adjustingthe angle of the moved X-ray detector 500 so as to allow the X-raydetector 500 to be in close contact with the face of a patient.

In this manner, by using the imaging method using the intraoral X-rayimaging apparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity accordingto the present invention, it is possible to select only the tooth ofinterest and to obtain images thereof at various angles.

In addition, the distance between the X-ray irradiator 400 and the X-raydetector 500 is minimized, so that it is possible to obtain images ofportions of the tooth with constant magnifications and to obtainaccurate images without distortion.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to exemplary embodiments of an intraoral X-ray imagingapparatus for detecting X-ray outside an oral cavity, it will beunderstood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form anddetails may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention as defined by the appended claims. The exemplaryembodiments should be considered in descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Therefore, the scope of the invention is definednot by the detailed description of the invention but by the appendedclaims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as beingincluded in the present invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus fordetecting an X-ray outside an oral cavity, comprising: a frame; a basesupporting member disposed on an upper surface of the frame, an X-rayirradiator installed on the base supporting member, wherein the X-rayirradiator includes a main body, one end portion of which is installedon the base supporting member to be rotated around a rotation axisextending in a longitudinal direction of the main body, and an X-rayirradiation body tiltably connected to the other end portion of the mainbody; an X-ray irradiation hole formed on the X-ray irradiation body,the X-ray irradiation body being configured to be inserted into an oralcavity and an X-ray being irradiated through the X-ray irradiation hole,wherein the X-ray irradiator is configured to adjust an irradiationangle of the X-ray by a combination of rotation about the rotation axisof the main body and tilting of the X-ray irradiation body with respectto the other end portion of the main body; a supporting arm installedintegrally with the X-ray irradiator; and an X-ray detector installed inthe supporting arm and configured to move along a longitudinal directionof the supporting arm so as to adjust a distance between the X-rayirradiator and the X-ray detector, wherein the X-ray detector isconfigured to place outside the oral cavity and detect the X-rayirradiated through the X-ray irradiation hole.
 2. The intraoral X-rayimaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting armincludes: a screw which is installed in the longitudinal direction ofthe supporting arm to be rotatably supported; and a detector supportingmember which is screw-engaged with the screw to be moved in thelongitudinal direction of the supporting arm, wherein the X-ray detectoris coupled to the detector supporting member.
 3. The intraoral X-rayimaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the supporting armfurther includes: a screw rotating motor which is connected to the screwto rotate the screw; a sensor which is installed to the X-ray detectorto sense a contact of the X-ray detector with a face; and a motorcontroller which is connected to the screw rotating motor and the sensorto control operations of the screw rotating motor.
 4. The intraoralX-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supporting armis configured to adjust a length thereof.
 5. The intraoral X-ray imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray detector includes alink member, one side of which is rotatably connected to the supportingarm, and on the other side of which a detection panel member isinstalled to detect the X-ray.
 6. The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatusaccording to claim 5, wherein the link member includes a first linkwhich is connected to the supporting arm, and a second link one side ofwhich is rotatably connected to the first link through a hinge connectorand the other side of which is connected to the detection panel member.7. The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 6, whereinthe hinge connector elastically supports the second link.
 8. Theintraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theX-ray detector is detachably connected to the supporting arm.
 9. Theintraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theX-ray detector includes a fixing arm which is connected to thesupporting arm and a mounting arm which is detachably connected to thefixing arm, wherein a detection panel member capable of detecting theX-ray is installed in the mounting arm.
 10. The intraoral X-ray imagingapparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a flexible memberwhich is connected to the supporting arm and is configured to be freelybent so as to adjust a position thereof, wherein the X-ray detector isinstalled to the flexible member.
 11. The intraoral X-ray imagingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the X-ray irradiator and theX-ray detector are integrally rotated through the supporting arm. 12.The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theX-ray irradiator includes an extension bar protruding from a rear sideof the X-ray irradiator and is rotated by a first driving unit whichtransmits power to the extension bar by using power transmitting means.13. The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according to claim 1, furthercomprising a base plate which is movably installed in an upper portionof the frame and on which the base supporting member coupled to theX-ray irradiator is installed, wherein the base plate includes a guideblock having a groove formed in a lower portion thereof, so that thebase plate is moved in a state where a guide rail coupled to the frameis inserted into the groove of the guide block.
 14. The intraoral X-rayimaging apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the X-ray irradiator ismoved by a driving unit which transmits power to the base plate by usingdriving means.
 15. The intraoral X-ray imaging apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising: an elevating unit which is coupled to alower portion of the frame; and a lower frame which is coupled to alower portion of the elevating unit.